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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Superfoods You Should Be Eating

I've decided it's time to get healthy. I've been working way to much and feeling exhausted all the time. Last week I put in 89 hours at work and felt like a bus ran over me by the end of the week. I had to come to the realization that I'm not 22 anymore and my body doesn't work like it once did. So as lay in bed after another 20 hour day I decided that enough was enough. I can't control my work hours because of the position I hold but I can control my exercise and nutrition. So here's what I'm doing, keep in mind I've only just started this week.Step 1 : I purchased this amazing product called

Magic Bullet NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender/Mixer System

This gadget is like the superhero of blenders.

Busts open seeds

Cracks through stems

Shreds tough skins

Breaks down even the toughest ingredients to unlock the vital nutrition inside

Step 2: Did some research on a few Super Foods

Hemp hearts are the very best and most nutritious part of the hemp seed. By shelling the hemp seed, you get only the center, with its raw nutrition, rich nutty flavor and tender crunch.

So easy to use, eat them straight out of the package or sprinkle on anything – salad, cereal or yogurt – the only limit is your imagination. Unlike some other seeds, there is no need to grind Hemp Hearts to get at the incredible nutrition. They are full of protein with 10 grams of complete (all the amino acids), plant-based protein per 30 gram (3 tablespoons) serving size. Hemp Hearts are also a great way to add omegas or EFAs (essential fatty acids) to your diet. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 EFAs is 4:1 and the naturally occurring ratio in Hemp Hearts is 3.75:1. Hemp Hearts contain more protein and omegas and less carbs than a similar serving of Chia or Flax.

Flax seeds are one of the oldest foods known to man. Remnants of flax seeds were found in an excavation in southeastern Turkey dating back to early biblical years.

Today, flax seeds are gaining consumer interest because of their high nutrient content. Flax oil derived from Golden Flax Seeds is one of the highest known vegetarian sources of soluble fiber, magnesium, zinc and linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid). The Omega-3 content of the oil is typically 52%. Flax seeds also provide protein, mucilage, phytosterols and plant lignans.

• Neutral Taste - chia seeds are virtually tasteless and can be added to your favorite foods. For added texture and protein, we recommend sprinkling chia seeds over oatmeal or adding them to smoothies, salads or yogurt for a satisfying and filling snack.

• Hydrophilic Properties - these mighty seeds hold up to 12x their weight offering powerful thickening abilities. Make a vegan egg substitute using 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to 3 tablespoons of water.

• Suitable for All Diets - this omega powerhouse supports all dietary restrictions considering they are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, raw, low-carb and paleo-friendly.

Goji berries are Soft and Chewy!! Delicious, nutrient-rich. Enjoy by the handful as a healthy snack or use in recipes like oatmeal, cookies, cereal, and trail mix

• Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A that may have anti-aging benefits.

Coconut oil is a natural energy source because it contains MCTs (medium chain) "good fats" the body uses to produce energy. As a dietary supplement, Coconut oil is a good addition to physical activity, exercise and weight loss programs.

AciaAcai (ah-sigh-ee) is a small, dark purple berry that grows on a species of palm tree that thrives throughout tropical regions of South America. To create Navitas Naturals Acai Powder, organic acai berries are sustainably harvested in the Amazon rainforest, freeze-dried, and then milled into a dark purple powder that retains the vital nutrients and flavor of the fresh fruit.

Acai is very low in sugar, but it’s not low in flavor. It has a bold tropical fruit taste that is a hybrid of blackberries, raspberries, and dark chocolate. Acai powder is an ideal addition to yogurt, smoothies, chocolate, drinks, and desserts.Acai provides exceptional amounts of omega fats, protein, and fiber. The nutrient-dense superfruit also contains a vast array of vitamins and minerals including B-vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, and manganese.

Cacao Powder and Nibs

Mayan Superfood

Known as the "Food of the Gods” by ancient South American cultures, raw cacao is cherished now in modern times as a healthy and delicious form of dark chocolate. “Nature’s chocolate chips” have a pure dark chocolate flavor, and they’re a healthy source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Enjoy them in recipes just as you would conventional chocolate chips, or snack on them straight out of the bag.

Raw cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, and it’s an excellent source of dietary fiber. Cacao is also known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium and it possesses many other essential minerals in significant quantities including iron.

Gluten-Free and Kosher.

WalnutsThe antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of walnuts has moved this food further and further up the ladder of foods that are protective against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, and type 2 diabetes. Some phytonutrients found in walnuts—for example, the quinone juglone—are found in virtually no other commonly-eaten foods. Other phytonutrients—like the tannin tellimagrandin or the flavonol morin—are also rare and valuable as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytonutrients also help explain the decreased risk of certain cancers—including prostate cancer and breast cancer—in relationship to walnut consumption.

I am feeling much better and my energy level is already through the roof.

Next time I'll share some of the Super Healthy and Delicious Smoothies I've learned to make. It's been a lot of trial and error but I've found some awesome new drinks.

Glad to hear you have discovered super foods. While I have been here many times I followed you here from the Friday Flash party. You so need to check out the Real Food Fridays link up and share this post.http://yourlife7.blogspot.com/2015/04/real-food-fridays-83-link-up.html

Great post!! I just love Goji berries - they are also so easy to grow!ThanksAngiePS - I haven't seen you on the Great Blog Train since you left as Engineer. We are traveling to British Columbia Canada this month: http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2015/04/the-great-blog-train-28-giveaway.html (if you get a chance - I understand - 89 hours doesn't leave much time for blogging)

Awesome! Good for you for taking a positive turn in caring about your health and the food you eat. I'm on week 3 of no refined sugars and I'm feeling great. I have a nutribullet and I love that machine!

Hi Angel,Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your post as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays. Thanks for sharing and being part of Real Food Fridays blog hop. Have a healthy happy weekend!

I can see you are having a ball with your Nutribullet. I too love to use superfoods in my smoothies. I really appreciated your post because we can often overlook an important source of nutrition. Where did you find your acai berries? Thank you for sharing 'Superfoods You Should Be Eating' with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop! I’m pinning and sharing!

I have never tried hemp hearts. In fact, I have never heard of them. I have started eating healthy at the first of the year and feel much better. I would love to have this Nutribullet to make some great and nutritious smoothies, etc. Thank you so much for sharing